LINCOLN L. CUMMINGS, an experienced farmer and stock-raiser and a
respected resident of Stockbridge, was born in Augusta, Oneida County, November 25, 1824, being a son of Nichols and Amelia (Gould) Cummings, both natives of
Massachusetts. The Cummings family is of Scotch origin, and traces its ancestry back to two brothers of that name who emigrated from Scotland to America in early Colonial days, and settled in Connecticut. Some of the family later went to Massachusetts, and in that State are buried five generations of the
Cummings family.
Simeon Cummings, grandfather of our subject, was born and spent his entire life in Massachusetts, dying when about sixty-six years of years of age. He was a farmer by occupation. He had a family of eight children,--six sons and two daughters. The great-grand-father of our subject took an active part in the
Revolutionary War, as did other members of his family.
Nichols Cummings, father of our subject, remained in the old Bay State for several years after his marriage, but in 1822 emigrated to New York with his wife and three children, and bought a farm in Augusta, Oneida County, which he improved, and there led the life of a pioneer for several years, sharing with his neighbors the hardships and privations incident to life in a new country.
In 1840 he came to Stockbridge, and bought a farm, on which he made good improvements; and here he and his wife spent their declining days, Mr. Cummings. dying at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife, who survived him, lived to the venerable age of ninety-three years. They were worthy people, and members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a Republican. To them were born a family of twelve children, who grew to maturity, six of whom are now living.: Lincoln, our subject; Henry N., living on the home farm; Simeon M. and Cyrus M., living in Stockbridge; Electa Ann and Elbridge E., living on the home farm.
Lincoln L. Cummings, the subject of this personal history, grew to manhood in the vicinity where he now lives, receiving his education in the district schools and in the academy at Munnsville. He received a practical training in agriculture on the home farm, remaining there until attaining his majority. He was a close student, fitting himself for a teacher, and for eight terms taught the district school. His first purchase of land was made when he was twenty-five
years of age, and part of that property is still in his possession. His homestead now consists of sixty-nine acres of arable land, amply supplied with substantial and convenient buildings and all the appurtenances for carrying on farming after the most approved methods of modern times. He is considered
a model farmer in the neighborhood, and carries on a good business in general farming, making hops his principal crop.
Mr. Cummings was united in marriage March 17, 1850, to Martha J. Bridge. She
was born in what is now the town of Stockbridge, October 2,1825, being a daughter of Jonas and Wealthy Bridge, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Bridge was a farmer by occupation. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cummings three children were born, only one of whom is living,--James B., who was born July 14, 1856, and resides at home. Elbert L. died when two and a half years old, and Andrew L. when ten years old. Mr. Cummings is a man held in high respect throughout the community, being well and favorably known as one who has identified himself. With its interests and worked for its welfare and prosperity. In politics he is a stanch Republican. For six years he served as Assessor, was Highway Commissioner for two years, and Town Auditor for five years. For nine terms he served as a member of the Grand Jury.